A Nigerian technology startup has launched a suite of defence systems, including interceptor drones and mine-clearing unmanned vehicles, as the military looks for new tools to counter a worsening insurgency.
Terra Industries on Monday unveiled the systems, marking a shift from its previous focus on civilian drones and security equipment to military applications.
Nigeria has battled an Islamist insurgency for more than 17 years, with attacks intensifying this year as militants increasingly deploy improvised explosive devices and drones against army positions.
Terra CEO Nathan Nwachukwu said, “We are unveiling new defence systems such as our interceptor UAVs, our minesweepers, ground vehicles that can detect IEDs on the ground, and our battlefield intelligence software.”
The development comes as military authorities seek to reduce casualties linked to roadside bombs and aerial threats.
Major General Babatunde Alaya, head of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, said collaboration with Terra Industries was necessary given high troop casualties from improvised explosive devices.
The introduction of locally developed defence technology adds to Nigeria’s strength in confronting evolving security threats.
